Let the fanfare, celebration, and games begin! As various countries get ready to send their top-tier athletes to Beijing, China for the 2022 Winter Olympics, the United States has announced a new plan for its representation. On December 6, 2021, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced that the US would not be sending diplomats (government officials) to the games. 

“The Biden administration will not send any diplomatic or official representation to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games given the PRC’s ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and other human rights abuses,” Psaki said at a news briefing. She was referring to the People’s Republic of China.

Psaki stated in the press conference, “China has come under fire for cracking down on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong for its policies toward Tibet and Taiwan, and for detaining and abusing Muslim Uyghurs in the country’s Xinjiang province.’’

Government officials on Capitol Hill are applauding the Biden Administration for the decision to boycott; “I’m glad to see the Biden Administration take steps to hold China accountable, but this diplomatic boycott does not go far enough.” Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan said in a statement, “China has demonstrated again and again that they do not deserve the honor associated with hosting the Olympics, and the Games should be hosted elsewhere.” Other officials such as Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas urged the administration to boycott the games and even suggested withholding the U.S. athletes from competing.

In response to this announcement, the Chinese government accused the U.S. of grandstanding (or attempting) to attract favorable attention from spectators or the media.“The Winter Olympics is not a stage for the political show and political manipulation,” said Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Ministry. A boycott would be “a naked political provocation, and a serious offense to the 1.4 billion Chinese people.”

The government also announced that resolute countermeasures would be taken in retaliation to countries that boycott, but no further details have followed this message. 

But, the U.S. is not the only country boycotting the Olympics due to the human rights protest. Major countries such as New Zealand, Australia, UK, Scotland, Canada, Japan, Belgium, Austria, Latvia, Lithuania, and more have announced the same message just days after the U.S. 

The U.S. has decided to let athletes compete in the game and represent our country. Athletes such as American ice dancer Evan Bates have shared their thoughts on the boycott. “Speaking on behalf of all the athletes, I can say human rights violations are abysmal, and we all believe that it tears the fabric of humanity.” He said when speaking to the New York Times, “My answer could be applicable to human rights at large, but if you’re asking what’s happening in China regarding the Muslims, it’s terrible, it’s awful.” Many others have echoed his sentiments.

If you want to cheer on our country in the 2022 Winter Olympics held in Beijing Chiapas, be sure to tune in on February 4th-20th.